First vacation away from baby?

princessmah

DH and I are talking about taking a 4 day/3 night vacation in the next couple of months. I think it is REALLY important for a marriage (and a SAHM sanity--haha) to have some time away.We both just need a break and some R&R.  DD will be about 14-15 mos depending on when we go.  Is this too young/too long?  What was your experience the first time leaving your child?  My parents live less than a mile from me but I was going to ask them if they would mind just staying here so she would have the comforts of her home, her own bed, toys, etc.  She is very comfortable with them and sees them all the time and my mom babysits for her on a regular basis.  What do you think?  Any helpful advice, sharing your experience, etc would be greatly helpful

lilycat

When Lucas was about 10 mos. old, we went to Fredericksburg for a wedding while he stayed with grandma at home for three nights. It went great and I missed Lucas terribly - still, we had a blast having alone time. He was fine and grandma had a wonderful time.

In contrast, we left for one night last year and grandma nearly ran out of the house when we returned. I guess two children are just too hard? It was straight out of a sitcom how quickly she grabbed her stuff and ran. But, I digress...

So, no, she's not too young in my book. You are in much need of a break and some reconnection time. It really helps - even one night helps.

Personally, I prefer people to stay here with the kids. No strange pets, no strange surroundings, no lack of baby proofing, etc...I just always feel a little better when the boys are at home. However, just like daycare, kids are more adaptable when in the care of another person. So, if you're comfortable with your mom's house, you could consider it.

Bottom line: go, have fun, and everything will be great when you return. 

starlettedir

We are leaving the kiddo with a grandma when she's almost 4 months for 2-3 nights. Then again for 4-5 when she's almost eight. So no I don't think it's too young.

KelleyA

I never left A home with anyone and took time for just DH and I wish I had.  Good for you for thinking about it, it's so important for you and for your marriage.  I just left both girls for 5 days in Dec. and went to Mexico with DH.  It was wonderful, truly wonderful.  I was a bit stressed leaving DD at only 5 months, but it worked out and didn't impact our BFing at all.  We're going to Hawaii without the kids in May and now I'm really looking forward to it. I highly recommend a couples resort...away from all kids.  I know that helped keep my mind off of my kids being away from all kids.  Have fun!!!

M&M614

If you are ready and DH is ready... it's not too early.  Have fun!

 We went on a two day trip without Mia at about that age.  It was fantastic... and honestly a bit too short.  Yes, I was happy to see her, but I had felt like we had just settled in and started relaxing/enjoying ourselves when it was time to go home.  I would have loved 4-5 days with just DH to reconnect and SLEEP IN. 

We're planning on going away for our 10-year in 2013.  For like a week.  Our 3rd will be 22ish months and we can't WAIT. 

I'm a strange one, though.  I don't miss my children terribly when we're apart.  Is that sad?  Does it make me a terrible mom?  To some.  But for me... I enjoy my time immensely and completely.  I try not to waste time missing them.  I remind myself that they are having a blast (and they always are) and that this is time I'll never get back with DH.  Live in the moment type.

My ILs and parents prefer to have them at their house.  The girls have no problem with it and neither do we.  I think the girls actually like it better!

cali_girl92504

We left DD for a weekend (our anniversary weekend) when she 6 months old - we stayed in Houston but went to a hotel for the weekend. ILs watched her at our house even though they have a full set up at their house (full nursery, toys, etc.). I can literally drop her off with just the clothes on her back. Since she was about 8 months old (when we started introducing formula) she has spent the night there once or twice a month so that she gets accustomed to staying there. She spent Dec 30 until Jan 1 there because I had a procedure on the 31st where DH needed to take care of me for 24 hours. So, to my it's not too young but clearly I leave my kiddo all the time. The first time was HARD and I fought it tooth and nail with DH but glad I did it. Each time after that was a bit easier and now it's a piece of cake. We're planning a trip out of state where we leave her with ILs and I think that will be my true test...all the other times she was within 30 miles of me (at most).

Do it - it is important to have the mommy and daddy time. 

KKMMex

lilycat:

In contrast, we left for one night last year and grandma nearly ran out of the house when we returned. I guess two children are just too hard? It was straight out of a sitcom how quickly she grabbed her stuff and ran. But, I digress...

 

That's so funny!  You just described my mom.  She couldn't keep both of them at that age, so we divided them up one time so DH and I could go to Las Vegas.  My mom came to our house and kept one, while the other went to stay with my ILs.  Midway through our vacation they switched children. The girls were much smaller then.

kreeper611

We went away for a weekend (Fri & Sat) in NOLA when C was 6 months old.  He went to my mom's house and did fine, but we frequently stay there so he's comfortable there.

He also stays the night with my sister about once a month, once every 6 weeks.

So obviously, no, I don't think it is too early and I don't think that's too long.

rayskit10

Truitt was 16 mos the 1st time we left him. The only reason we hadn't left sooner is b/c we don't have family here to watch the kids. My inlaws live closer but don't really do babies, so it was a matter of flying my mom down etc... I definitely think A is old enough- plus you and DH have always traveled and I can totally see how you don't just want to, but need to! Happy marriage = happy family, so go for it! 

We went OOT when Mathis was only 10 months and there were no issues at all. My inlaws and my mom both came up, but my mom would have been fine on her own. Now that both boys are toddlers, I can't wait to enlist the help of my inlaws more and get more couple time! I'm totally jealous! 

houstonkdw

Um...I was in Vegas when #1 was 5 weeks old

DH and I have vacationed 2-4 times a year since both kids were born.  We had no issues and the kids were great. 

princessmah

Thanks everyone!  My gut instinct was telling me that it would be just fine but it's always nice to have some encouraging words from you ladies  Now DH and I need to quit talking about it and just book something or she'll be 2 years old before we go anywhere.  Ha!

alliwalton

I left DD for a weekend when we flew up to Ohio for a wedding, she was 2 months old.  We now booked a trip to Jamica in April, DD will be 9 months.  I am so scared about my  BFing more then anything.  She will be staying with my mom and dad, so I am not worried about leaving her, just the BFing part. 

CareBear01

You should be fine.  DH and I went to Turks and Caicos for a week when DH was about 14 months old.  My parents watched DS.  Everything was fine!  :-)  We actually saw a couple there on the beach with a 19 month old!  Although I missed DS, I was glad he was not there with me.  We saw them just sitting under the umbrella, then saw him get fussy, and then they had to go inside.

princessmah

CareBear01:

You should be fine.  DH and I went to Turks and Caicos for a week when DH was about 14 months old.  My parents watched DS.  Everything was fine!  :-)  We actually saw a couple there on the beach with a 19 month old!  Although I missed DS, I was glad he was not there with me.  We saw them just sitting under the umbrella, then saw him get fussy, and then they had to go inside.

How was T&C?  I've wanted to go but there's no easy flights there.  I think we are going to go to the Bahamas since it would be an easy non-stop flight on Continental and better for a shorter trip.

Of course, I totally love my daughter and spending time with her, but a trip with her is not really a "vacation."  As a friend of mine once told me, a trip with the kids is just parenting in a different location  

 

cori514

M&M614:

If you are ready and DH is ready... it's not too early.  Have fun!

 We went on a two day trip without Mia at about that age.  It was fantastic... and honestly a bit too short.  Yes, I was happy to see her, but I had felt like we had just settled in and started relaxing/enjoying ourselves when it was time to go home.  I would have loved 4-5 days with just DH to reconnect and SLEEP IN. 

We're planning on going away for our 10-year in 2013.  For like a week.  Our 3rd will be 22ish months and we can't WAIT. 

I'm a strange one, though.  I don't miss my children terribly when we're apart.  Is that sad?  Does it make me a terrible mom?  To some.  But for me... I enjoy my time immensely and completely.  I try not to waste time missing them.  I remind myself that they are having a blast (and they always are) and that this is time I'll never get back with DH.  Live in the moment type.

My ILs and parents prefer to have them at their house.  The girls have no problem with it and neither do we.  I think the girls actually like it better!

This is me. We just went on a 4 day cruise when DD was 12 weeks old. I missed her, dont get me wrong, but it wasnt hard for me to leave and I enjoyed every second of it. I went back to work the day after we got back and I had no problems dropping her off at daycare for the first time...it's nice to have time apart.